He chuckles graciously. “Yep, that’s me.” He tips his head in our direction.
“Um, is it rude to say that I’m a little lost here?” Nikki winces.
I groan internally. If Nikki is gonna be with a Dominican man, she’s going to have to brush up on some baseball knowledge. “Mateo is the pitcher for the Monarchs. The new baseball team in New York. They took over the old Yankee stadium.”
“Oh!” Nikki brightens. “I knew your face was familiar! You’re plastered all over the subway!” She laughs.
“Yeah, gotta love seeing my face graffitied all over the city.” He smiles good-naturedly. “Just taking a trip here with my little girl before spring training starts. It’s about to get chaotic, so I’m taking advantage of some one-on-one time.”
“Oh! I met your nanny, Isabella. We exchanged numbers. She’s awesome!” Nikki exclaims.
“Yeah, but she’s a family friend. Just helping out temporarily.” He runs a hand through his hair. “I need to find a permanent nanny before the season starts—”
“Because you keep firing them, papi.”
“Because they aren’t good enough, mija.” He sighs. “But we’ll find someone. Don’t worry about it.” He pulls her ponytail playfully. “I’m sorry, I didn’t get your names, even though I’m sure you know all of my daughter’s aliases.” He chuckles.
“I’m Tony, and this is my girlfriend, Nikki.”
Nikki blushes at the title but otherwise goes along with it.
Success.
“Nice to meet you guys. If you ever want to come to a game, just text Isabella, and I’ll set it up.”
“Wow, thanks, man.” I shake his hand. “By the way, I heard about the team’s owner passing away recently. I’m sorry for your loss.”
He nods. “Thanks. I only met him once, but he did right by me during the signing negotiations. It’s a loss, but the real shitstorm comes now.”
“Papi, you said a bad word.” Anna giggles.
“Sorry, mija.” He rolls his eyes while laughing. “Anyway, the team was left to his billionaire grandson, who I hear is a real piece of work.” He gives us a pointed look.
“Ouch,” I say.
“Yeah. Even worse? I just know he’s gonna butt heads with our general manager.” He shakes his head.
“Why? Is he also a piece of work?” I ask.
“She. First female general manager in MLB history.”
My eyebrows shoot up. “Wow. Impressive. Looks like she’s gonna have to watch her back with this billionaire douche.”
“Nah, my money’s on her.”
“Oh yeah? Why?”
He smirks. “She’s Dominican.”
I throw my head back in laughter. “Enough said.”
“Anyway, it was great to meet you. We gotta fly out of here now.” He waves at us as Anna lunges toward me. She whispers something in my ear that has my heart melting. When she leans back, she offers me her pinky.
Her father looks at us quizzically.
“It’s their thing,” Nikki provides.
I interlock our pinkies and make my second promise about Nikki to Anna.
